Bottle plastic packaging waste should be removed by 2030, report says

Plastic packaging waste from bottled water and soft drinks should be removed from the value chain by 2030, according to a new report.

Published by The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability (CISL) and a group of bottled drink manufacturers, the report set out key actions to make eliminating plastic packaging waste a “strategic priority”.

These include all drink packaging to be made from 100% recyclable or reusable material, a consistent nationwide recycling system, new materials with minimal environmental impact and more consumer behaviour research to support the circular economy.

It was developed with input from the Future of Plastic Packaging Working Group which includes Lucozade Ribena Suntory, Nestle Waters UK and other members of the Natural Hydration Council.

Eliot Whittington, director of policy at CISL, said: “We are now seeking to convene working groups to deliver on the four pathways set out in the report and encourage organisations and experts interested in eliminating plastic packaging waste to join them.”

The full report, Towards sustainable packaging: A plan to eliminate plastic packaging waste from UK bottled water and soft drinks can be found here.